Velvety Cream Cheese Banana Bread: A Delightful Twist!

Photo byAngie Bright

Banana Bread has always been a beloved comfort food, known for its moist texture and sweet banana flavor. It's one of those recipes that families pass down, enjoyed by generations for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. But what if we told you there’s a way to make it even better? That’s right—by adding cream cheese to the mix, you can elevate this classic into something truly unforgettable.

This Cream Cheese Banana Bread recipe is a delightful blend of familiar flavors and creamy richness. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the cream cheese adds a layer of velvety texture in every bite. The result is a perfect balance between the fruity sweetness of the bananas and the subtle tang of the cream cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine slicing into a loaf of warm banana bread, only to discover a rich cream cheese filling running through the center. It’s like the best of both worlds: a moist, banana-flavored bread with a creamy surprise that takes each slice to the next level. The hint of cinnamon adds a comforting warmth, making this bread perfect for cozy mornings or an indulgent dessert.

Recipe: Cream Cheese Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps create the soft, airy texture of the bread.
4. Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate bananas and sour cream: Gently fold in the mashed bananas and sour cream. These ingredients will keep the bread moist and flavorful.
6. Prepare the cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
7. Assemble the bread: Pour half of the banana batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese evenly over the top, then pour the remaining banana batter on top of the cream cheese layer.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too much, you can cover it with aluminum foil partway through baking.
9. Cool and enjoy: Once done, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Best Way to Serve

This Cream Cheese Banana Bread is delicious warm out of the oven, but it’s also fantastic when fully cooled. The cream cheese layer firms up slightly, giving each slice a satisfying texture contrast. For an extra treat, try spreading a little butter on a slice or enjoy it with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Whether for breakfast or dessert, this banana bread will quickly become a new favorite in your kitchen.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to the batter for an even more indulgent twist. No matter how you slice it, this Cream Cheese Banana Bread offers comfort in every bite.

Sources for the recipe:

1. AllRecipes - Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
2. Taste of Home - Banana Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
3. Food Network - Classic Banana Bread